Abstract

Objective: Suicide attempts and related processes are a serious problem worldwide. Initial evaluation of patients who have attempted suicide is usually performed in the emergency department (ED). In this study, we examined the characteristic features of these cases.

Methods: The study was conducted with patients aged 18 years who were evaluated for suicide attempt over a one-year period in the ED of a comprehensive urban hospital. The data of the cases were retrospectively scanned through the electronic medical record system. The data obtained for each patient were systematically recorded in report forms and analyzed at the end of the study.

Results: In the study, 241 suicide attempt cases with a mean age of 30 (interquartile range: 22-37) were examined, and 167 (69.3%) of them were women. Of the patients, 170 (70.5%) were between the ages of 18 and 35, and 113 (46.9%) had primary education. Of the suicide attempts, 81.7% were self-poisoning with multiple drug ingestion. It was determined that 41.5% of the applications were made between 18: 00 and 00: 00. Of the patients, 142 (58.9%) were discharged after ED follow-up. ED follow-up could not be completed for 67 (27.8%) patients who refused treatment. Of the remaining patients, 15 (6.2%) were transferred to the intensive care unit and 14 (5.8%) to the inpatient service. A total of 3 (1.3%) patients who died after a suicide attempt were male and used the hanging method.

Conclusion: Most patients who attempted suicide were young women who were primary school graduates and poisoned by ingesting multiple drugs. Most suicide attempts are unsuccessful, but mortality is quite high in those who use the hanging method. Because patients who attempt suicide tend to leave the ED before their follow-up is completed, precautions should be taken.